Extendable article holding apparatus

ABSTRACT

An article holding apparatus comprises a telescoping support structure, a clip device and a mounting structure. The clip device is attached to a first end region of the telescoping support structure. The mounting structure is attached to a second end region of the telescoping support structure. The telescoping support structure is extendable from a fully retracted length to a length of more than 2 times the fully retracted length. The clip device is specifically-configured for compressively holding articles made from one or more relatively thin sheets of material.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to co-pending United States Provisional Patent Application having Ser. No. 60/556,267, filed Mar. 25, 2004 entitled “Extend An Arm”, having a common applicant herewith and being incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosures made herein relate generally to extendable article holding devices and, more particularly, to extendable article holding devices specifically configured for holding articles made from one or more relatively thin sheets of material.

BACKGROUND

In the game of Bingo, a Bingo player often has the need to buy additional Bingo cards. As a convenience to Bingo players, Bingo cards are often offered for sale. Because physical Bingo cards are a depletable item in the game of Bingo, cards are after every one or two games depending on whether the card is one-sided or two-sided.

Conventionally, a Bingo player raises their hand to gain the attention of a Bingo card seller that is circulating throughout the room where Bingo is being played. However, as it is not uncommon for there to be several hundreds, if not thousands, of Bingo players engaged in a game of Bingo, it is often difficult to immediately get the attention of a Bingo card seller. To aid in getting the Bingo card seller's attention, it is not uncommon for a Bingo player to wave their hand back and forth to aid in bringing attention to himself or herself. However, waving one's hand back and forth is tiring as well as distracting to both the Bingo player and those around the Bingo player waving their hand.

Therefore, an apparatus that overcomes shortcomings associated with conventional approaches for getting the attention of a Bingo card seller would be useful, advantageous and novel.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved means for gaining the attention of a Bingo car seller for the purpose of buying a Bingo card as well as for other related useful purposes. Specific to the use of gaining the attention of a Bingo car seller, an article holding apparatus in accordance with the present invention eliminates the need for a Bingo card buyer from having to wave one's hand back and forth, which is tiring as well as distracting to both the Bingo player and those around the Bingo player waving their hand. Accordingly, the present invention advantageously overcomes one or more shortcomings associated with conventional approaches for getting the attention of a Bingo card seller.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an article holding apparatus comprises an extendable support structure and a clip device. The clip device is attached to a first end region of the extendable support structure.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an article holding apparatus comprises a telescoping support structure, a clip device and a mounting structure. The clip device is attached to a first end region of the telescoping support structure. The mounting structure is attached to a second end region of the telescoping support structure.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an article holding apparatus comprises an extendable support structure, a mounting structure and a clip device. The mounting structure is attached to a second end region of the telescoping support structure. The clip device is attached to a first end region of the extendable support structure. The clip device is generally shaped in the form of a hand. The clip device is specifically-configured for compressively holding articles made from one or more relatively thin sheets of material.

Turning now to specific aspects of the present invention, in at least one embodiment, the extendable support structure is extendable from a fully retracted length to a length of more than 2 times the fully retracted length.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the extendable support structure includes a plurality of telescoping sections.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the extendable support structure is extendable from a fully retracted length to a length of more than 2 times the fully retracted length.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a mounting structure is attached to a second end region of the extendable support structure.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting structure is configured for compressively engaging a body having spaced-apart engagement surfaces.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting structure includes a contact surface configured for engaging one of the spaced-apart engagement surfaces, the extendable support structure is rigidly attached to the mounting structure and a longitudinal reference axis of the extendable support structure extends generally perpendicular to the contact surface when the extendable support structure is in a fully extended position.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the clip device is specifically-configured for compressively holding articles made from one or more relatively thin sheets of material.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the clip device is generally shaped in the form of a hand.

These and other objects and embodiments of the inventive disclosures made herein will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and associated drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of an article holding apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of a mounting structure of the in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a clip device in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of an article holding apparatus in accordance with the present invention, which is referred to generally as the article holding apparatus 100. The article holding apparatus 100 includes an extendable support structure 102, a clip device 104 and a mounting structure 106. The clip device 104 is attached to a first end region 108 of the extendable support structure 102. The mounting structure 106 is attached to a second end region 110 of the extendable support structure 102.

The extendable support structure 102 includes a plurality of telescoping sections (102 a-102 d), which are extendable (configuration as shown in FIG. 1) and retractable (telescoping sections 102 c-102 d slid inside of section 102 a). As such, the extendable support structure 102 is an example of a telescoping support structure. Preferably, but not necessarily, the extendable support structure 102 is extendable from a fully retracted length to a length of more than 2 times the fully retracted length. It will be appreciated that a telescoping support structure is one embodiment of an extendable support structure in accordance with the present invention. A multi-section folding support structure and a retractable tape-type support structure (e.g., similar to a tape measure) are other embodiments of extendable support structures in accordance with the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the mounting structure 106 is configured for compressively engaging a body (e.g., a table top) having spaced-apart engagement surfaces. Through such compressive engagement, the article holding device 100 may be fixedly attached to a body such as a table. The mounting structure 106 includes a U-shaped body 112 having a first spaced apart leg 114, a second spaced apart leg 115 and a central let 116 attached between the spaced apart legs (114, 115). The first spaced apart leg 114 includes a contact surface 117 configured for engaging a spaced-apart engagement surface of the body mentioned above. A compressive force application device 118 is displaceably engaged with the second spaced apart leg 115, thereby enabling a compressive clamping force to be generated between the contact surface 117 and the compressive force application device 118. A threaded member 119 (e.g., a thump screw) with a generally flat engagement member 120 attached thereto is an example of the compressive force application device 118.

The extendable support structure 102 is rigidly attached to the mounting structure 106. For example, the extendable support structure 102 may include a threaded portion at it's second end region 110 that engages a mating threaded hole in the first spaced apart leg 114 of the mounting structure 106. A longitudinal reference axis L of the extendable support structure 106 extends generally perpendicular to the contact surface when the extendable support structure is in a fully extended position.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3, the clip device 104 is specifically-configured for compressively holding articles made from one or more relatively thin sheets of material. Bingo cards and money are two examples of articles made from one or more relatively thin sheets of material. Preferably, but not necessarily, the clip device 104 is generally shaped in the form of a hand (i.e., includes protrusions that represent two of more fingers).

The clip device 104 has opposing engagement members 121 that define an article-receiving space 122 therebetween. Disposing a sufficiently thick article in the article-receiving space causes the opposing engagement members 121 to be forced apart, thereby generating and exerting a compressive force on the article. In one embodiment, the opposing engagement members 121 are integrally formed from a single piece of material (e.g., springs steel) a geometry of the formed material (e.g., a bend) provides the compressive force upon relative displacement of the opposing engagement members 121. In another embodiment, a discrete spring is connected between the opposing engagement members 121 for generating and applying a force in response to the opposing engagement members being forced apart.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the inventive disclosures made herein. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, chemical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of such inventive disclosures. To avoid unnecessary detail, the description omits certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. An article holding apparatus, comprising: an extendable support structure; and a clip device attached to a first end region of the extendable support structure.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the extendable support structure is extendable from a fully retracted length to a length of more than 2 times the fully retracted length.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the extendable support structure includes a plurality of telescoping sections.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the extendable support structure is extendable from a fully retracted length to a length of more than 2 times the fully retracted length.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a mounting structure attached to a second end region of the extendable support structure.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the mounting structure is configured for compressively engaging a body having spaced-apart engagement surfaces.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein: the mounting structure includes a contact surface configured for engaging one of said spaced-apart engagement surfaces; the extendable support structure is rigidly attached to the mounting structure; and a longitudinal reference axis of the extendable support structure extends generally perpendicular to the contact surface when the extendable support structure is in a fully extended position.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the clip device is specifically-configured for compressively holding articles made from at least one relatively thin sheet of material.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the clip device is generally shaped in the form of a hand.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a mounting structure attached to a second end region of the extendable support structure; wherein the extendable support structure is extendable from a fully retracted length to a length of more than 2 times the fully retracted length; wherein the extendable support structure includes a plurality of telescoping sections; wherein the mounting structure is configured for compressively engaging a body having spaced-apart engagement surfaces; wherein a mounting structure includes a contact surface configured for engaging one of said spaced-apart engagement surfaces; wherein the extendable support structure is rigidly attached to the mounting structure; wherein a longitudinal reference axis of the extendable support structure extends generally perpendicular to the contact surface when the extendable support structure is in a fully extended position; and wherein the clip device is specifically-configured for compressively holding articles made from at least one relatively thin sheet of material.
 11. An article holding apparatus, comprising: a telescoping support structure; a clip device attached to a first end region of the telescoping support structure; and a mounting structure attached to a second end region of the telescoping support structure.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the telescoping support structure is extendable from a fully retracted length to a length of more than 2 times the fully retracted length.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the mounting structure is configured for compressively engaging a body having spaced-apart engagement surfaces.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein: the mounting structure includes a contact surface configured for engaging one of said spaced-apart engagement surfaces; the telescoping support structure is rigidly attached to the mounting structure; and a longitudinal reference axis of the telescoping support structure extends generally perpendicular to the contact surface when the telescoping support structure is in a fully extended position.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the clip device is specifically-configured for compressively holding articles made from at least one relatively thin sheet of material.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the clip device is generally shaped in the form of a hand.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein: the telescoping support structure is extendable from a fully retracted length to a length of more than 2 times the fully retracted length; the mounting structure is configured for compressively engaging a body having spaced-apart engagement surfaces; the mounting structure includes a contact surface configured for engaging one of said spaced-apart engagement surfaces; the telescoping support structure is rigidly attached to the mounting structure; a longitudinal reference axis of the telescoping support structure extends generally perpendicular to the contact surface when the telescoping support structure is in a fully extended position; and the clip device is specifically-configured for compressively holding articles made from at least one relatively thin sheet of material.
 18. An article holding apparatus, comprising: an extendable support structure; a mounting structure attached to a second end region of the telescoping support structure; and a clip device attached to a first end region of the extendable support structure, wherein the clip device is generally shaped in the form of a hand and wherein the clip device is specifically-configured for compressively holding articles made from at least one relatively thin sheet of material.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the extendable support structure includes a plurality of telescoping sections.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the extendable support structure is extendable from a fully retracted length to a length of more than 2 times the fully retracted length. 